The first weekend of August 2026 promises an exciting calendar of events across the French Riviera, with dozens of activities taking place along the Mediterranean coast and in the picturesque villages of the Alpes-Maritimes. From open-air concerts and traditional festivals to art exhibitions, sporting competitions, cultural performances, local markets, and family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone in destinations including Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Tende, Auron, Isola 2000, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Martin-Vésubie, La Brigue, and many more.

If you’re looking for things to do on the French Riviera during the weekend of August 1–2, 2026, here is your complete guide featuring dates, times (where available), locations, and practical information.

Art Exhibitions to Visit

“Renaissance” Exhibition – Vence

Dates: July 28 – August 25, 2026
Location: Vence

A contemporary art exhibition exploring the theme of renewal through paintings, installations, and artistic interpretations. An excellent cultural stop during your stay on the French Riviera.

AMSL Watercolor Exhibition & “Levens d’un temp è de deman”

Opening Date: August 1, 2026
Location: Levens

An exhibition showcasing watercolor paintings alongside works celebrating the history, traditions, and cultural heritage of Levens.

Photo Exhibition “Ombres et Lumières en pays valdeblorois”

Dates: August 1–31, 2026
Location: Roquebillière

A photography exhibition highlighting the landscapes, mountains, and daily life of the Valdeblore region.

Painting Academy Exhibition

Until: August 2, 2026
Location: La Brigue

The final weekend to discover works created by artists participating in the Painting Academy.

“Trio Sensible” Collective Exhibition

Until: August 2, 2026
Location: Chapel of the Red Penitents, Saorge

A collective exhibition featuring contemporary artworks in various artistic styles and techniques.

Traditional Festivals and Local Celebrations

La Bolline Patron Saint Festival

Dates: July 30 – August 2
Location: Valdeblore

Four days of festivities featuring live entertainment, local food, music, and traditional celebrations.

Bread Festival

Dates: July 31 – August 2
Location: Saint-Martin-Vésubie

A celebration of traditional bread-making with demonstrations, tastings, and local produce.

Grand Venetian Night

Date: Saturday, August 1
Location: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

One of the French Riviera’s most spectacular summer events, featuring Venetian costumes, parades, performances, and waterfront entertainment.

Earth and Mountain Festival

Date: Sunday, August 2
Location: Isola 2000

A family-friendly event celebrating Alpine traditions with local products, music, crafts, and outdoor activities.

Sainte Anne Festival

Date: Sunday, August 2
Location: Isola

A traditional religious celebration including a procession and community festivities.

Saint Julian Patron Festival

Dates: August 1–2
Location: Castillon

A weekend dedicated to local traditions with entertainment, music, and festivities.

Medieval Day – “The Legend of the Throne”

Date: Sunday, August 2
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin

A medieval reenactment featuring costumed performers, historical demonstrations, and family activities.

Concerts and Live Entertainment

Saturday, August 1 offers an impressive lineup of live music across the region.

Saturday, August 1

• All Friends Jazz – Jazz Anatole
  • Location: Beaulieu-sur-Mer
  • Genre: Jazz
• Happy Roots – Tribute to Bob Marley
  • Location: Saint-Jeannet
  • Genre: Reggae
• More Than Soul
  • Location: Tourrette-Levens
  • Genre: Soul & Jazz
• Les Années 80 – Jilly Jackson
  • Location: Castagniers
  • 1980s Music Show
• Pour un flirt évidemment
  • Location: Bonson
• Rendez-vous – Un souffle de France
  • Location: Venanson
  
• “The Geniuses of the Black Forest” Concert
  • Location: Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage
  • Classical Music
• Summer Evening with Les Etoiles de Berger
  • Location: Belvédère
• Golf Evening – Elie Martin Concert
  • Location: Auron
• Tribute to France Gall
  • Time: 9:30 PM
  • Location: Beausoleil
• The Queen Show
  • Time: 9:00 PM
  • Location: Tende
• Avà Corsica Concert
  • Time: 9:00 PM
  • Location: Breil-sur-Roya
• Jazz Divas Summer Concert
  • Time: 9:00 PM
  • Location: Sospel
• Cinema-Concert – La Route Royale des Orgues
  • Time: 8:30 PM
  • Location: La Brigue
• Escapades Baroques – Comme il vous plaira
  • Time: 9:00 PM
  • Location: Saorge

Sunday, August 2

• Department Summer Concert
  • Location: Villefranche-sur-Mer
  • Pop Music
• Le Farfalle Della Note
  • Location: Drap
  • World Music
• Merci Julien Summer Evening
  • Location: La Bollène-Vésubie
  
• Field Commander Ali & Jordan Ireland
  • Time: 7:00 PM
  • Location: Saorge
• Escapades Baroques Conference
  • Time: 6:00 PM
  • Location: Saorge
• Escapades Baroques – The Knights
  • Time: 9:00 PM
  • Location: Saorge
• Maestro Bel Canto & Mister Jazz
  • Time: 9:00 PM
  • Location: Castillon
• La Route Royale des Orgues Concert
  • Time: 5:00 PM
  • Location: La Brigue

Cultural Events

Nuit du Conte

Saturday, August 1
Location: Clans

An evening of storytelling celebrating local legends and oral traditions for both adults and children.

Book and Arts Festival

Dates: August 1–2
Location: La Brigue

A two-day festival dedicated to literature, publishing, art exhibitions, and meetings with authors.

Giacosa Street Summer Evenings

Saturday, August 1
Location: Cagnes-sur-Mer

An evening of live entertainment, music, and performances in the town center.

Doppio Malto – August Entertainment Program

Dates: August 1–31
Location: Saint-Laurent-du-Var

A month-long program of concerts, live music, and entertainment.

Sports and Outdoor Activities

Multisports Week

Dates: August 1–7
Location: Isola 2000

A week of sporting activities designed for children, teenagers, and adults.

Boulder & Climbing Competition

Saturday, August 1
Location: Saint-Martin-Vésubie

A climbing competition combining bouldering and lead climbing disciplines.

Trout Fishing Introduction

Dates: August 1–2
Location: Roquebillière

A beginner-friendly outdoor activity introducing participants to trout fishing.

La Caravane du Sport

Sunday, August 2
Location: Auron

A day dedicated to discovering a wide range of sports through demonstrations and activities.

Les Cimes du Mercantour Cycling Race

Sunday, August 2 – 9:00 AM
Location: Breil-sur-Roya

A scenic cycling event through the breathtaking roads of the Mercantour mountains.

Fernand Rostagni Boules Tournament

Saturday, August 1 – 2:00 PM
Location: Sospel

A traditional pétanque tournament open to players and spectators.

Family-Friendly Events

Families can also enjoy a variety of activities throughout the weekend, including:

• PERARNAUD Circus – Saturday, August 1 – Auron
• Blind Test Solidaire – Sunday, August 2 – Auron
• Screening of “Moana” – July 31 & August 1 – Sospel
• Vintage Fiat 500 Gathering – Saturday, August 1 – 9:00 AM – Tende
• Guided Walk in the Vallée des Merveilles – Saturday, August 1 – 8:00 AM – Tende
• Model Exhibition – Sunday, August 2 – 9:00 AM – Sospel
• Guided Tour of the Permanent Collections – Sunday, August 2 – 3:00 PM – Tende
• Firefighters’ Ball – Saturday, August 1 – 7:00 PM – La Turbie
• Night Sky Observation Evenings – July 31 & August 1 – Saint-Martin-Vésubie

A Weekend Full of Experiences on the French Riviera

The weekend of August 1–2, 2026 offers one of the richest summer event calendars on the French Riviera. From glamorous seaside resorts to charming mountain villages, visitors can enjoy live concerts, traditional festivals, cultural exhibitions, sporting events, outdoor adventures, and family entertainment. Whether you’re planning a beach holiday, a mountain escape, or a cultural getaway, this first weekend of August is the perfect opportunity to discover the authentic spirit, traditions, and vibrant atmosphere of the French Riviera.